Compressor oil vs engine oil

[MackMan]

OK I can't believe this hasn't been discussed before, but I did not find anything in search.

I want to change the oil in my new-to-me compressor. They say 10W30 compressor oil. I don't have any compressor oil but do have various auto engine oil laying around. Is there any reason to go buy compressor oil, or will auto oil work just fine?

 

[b-body-bob]

I use non-detergent straight 30w. You need non-detergent unless your pump has a pressurized oil system with a filter.

 

[EOC_Jason]

You don't specifically have to use "compressor oil", you just want a non-detergent oil. Which every automotive oil has detergents in (Unless it specifically says "non-detergent" in big letters on the front)...

The detergents keep things suspended in the oil so that it will be carried to the oil filter. As most compressors are splash-lube, that means that it will be slinging stuff around that you really don't want.

Non-detergent oil on the other hand will allow things to settle to the bottom of your oil pan in the compressor.

 

[JHAUK]

Amsoil 40 wt synthetic compressor oil. No multi grades period. 30 wt nondetergent is fine if you can't find amsoil.

 

[jmarkwolf]

Glad to see this thread.

I'm wanting to change the oil on my 11gal/3hp Sanborn horizontal, but the manual states only that 10W oil should be used.

The guys at the autoparts say that hydraulic cylinder oil is the stuff to use.

 

[larry_g]

They say 10W30 compressor oil.

Who is "they"? Can you link to the manual for the compressor that specifies what to use? You have received some suggestions from people who have no idea of what compressor you have, do you want to trust that information?



lg
no enat sig line

 

[JHAUK]

10w oil is for very frigid conditions, and if you forget to change oil come spring you will be looking for a new compressor. 40wt amsoil is what you want.

 

[Sicbird]

I am glad to see this discussion as well...my Quincy manual shows the following:
5W for sub-zero F
10W for 0-32
20W for 32-80
30W for 60-104

It also has a note that the selected lubricant must have a pour point at least 15 deg F lower than the minimum expected ambient temp...which covers most heavier weight oils into pretty low temps. Lower than suggested by their chart, anyway.

But it holds 9 qts and there's no way I'm changing it back and forth at that expense. Do you guys successfully run a good synthetic 30 or 40w all year 'round, even at or below freezing? I thought about sticking a magnetic block heater on the thing to cheat for winter use...

 

[MackMan]

Who is "they"? Can you link to the manual for the compressor that specifies what to use? You have received some suggestions from people who have no idea of what compressor you have, do you want to trust that information?

lg
no enat sig line

OEM manual from Kobalt

"The correct lubricant is essential to the proper operation of
your compressor, 10W-30 All weather air compressor oil is
recommended for general use." from p 18 which I have attached (whole manual exceeds forum limit)

 

[larry_g]

Well since it is a Kobalt then get it from Home Depot
http://www.homedepot.com/s/air compressor oil?NCNI-5

lg
no neat sig line

 

[BUDSVTX]

I agree with JHAUK. Amsoil 40 wt in my AJAX for years, over 500 hours on my compressor, still going strong.

BUD

 

[MackMan]

http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...mpressor-oil-iso-100-sae-30-40/?code=PCKQT-EA this stuff?

 

[EOC_Jason]

http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...mpressor-oil-iso-100-sae-30-40/?code=PCKQT-EA this stuff?

Yes!

 

[MackMan]

Will have to figure out how much I need and order some... I'm an Amsoil dealer, so I'm happy to use it!

 

[zedbee]

Hi pretty late to the thread but the use of motor oil is not recommended since it might contain some sort of detergents which may be beneficial for combustion engine but can be harmful for air compressor. Instead, you need to use air compressor oil.

 

[cvairwerks]

6 1/2 year dead zombie thread...not a record, but kinda close...

 

[retDAC]

6 1/2 year dead zombie thread...not a record, but kinda close...

Look at his other posts.